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The Salish, the Chetzemoka's sister ship, which began service on the Port Townsend-Coupeville run this year.

The Salish, the Chetzemoka's sister ship, which began service on the Port Townsend-Coupeville run this year.

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Ferry fares to increase 2.5% in October

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Starting in October, riding the ferry will be more expensive.

The state Transportation Commission this week approved a 2.5 percent fare increase to take effect Oct. 1. It will be followed by a 3 percent increase in May 2012. Fares vary by routes, but the price from Seattle to Bremerton with a standard-sized vehicle will rise from $12.15 to $12.90 by May 2012. The proposed fare brochure is here.

The commission also voted to reduce fares for smaller vehicles, which were redefined as less than 14 feet long. The fare reduction will happen in three phases, with smaller vehicles charged 90 percent of a standard-sized vehicles in the first phase; 80 percent less in the second phase next year; and 70 percent less in a final phase. An adult with a small car on the Bremerton route who pays $12.15 now would pay $10.30 after May 2012.

The commission also voted to tack on a 25-cent capital surcharge system-wide to help pay for replacing old vessels. Also approved was a 2.5 percent fuel surcharge that wouldn’t be triggered unless the ferry system’s fuel costs exceed $4.08 per gallon. Right now, the Washington State Ferries pays $3.86 per gallon.

The commission also voted to eliminate the annual bicycle permit. Passengers with ORCA cards, monthly passes or multi-ride cards will not be charged to carry their bikes on-board. On routes in the San Juan Islands, only passengers with multi-ride cards would be exempt.

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.